Changing Station

ABSTRACT

The portable diaper changing station of the present invention comprises a composite, nonporous shaped body member which is contoured to provide a secure changing surface. A carry handle may be integrated into the body member along with at least one storage compartment for the storage of changing supplies such as diapers, wipes and powders. In one embodiment, the changing station is generally rectangular in shape, rigid and includes a nonporous contoured changing surface with a shaped contoured pad running a substantial length of the contoured changing surface. A shaped nonporous head rest is contoured and formed therein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to infant care devices, andmore particularly, to a portable diaper changing station and method ofusing same.

Changing an infant or young child's diaper can be a somewhat difficulttask, even when the changing location is within a home where abundantwater and waste facilities are present to accomplish the task.Generally, diaper changing stations and tables designed as furnitureitems and are kept in the nursery or other bedroom and are not easilymoved from one location to another. Changing an infant in the hometypically requires the caretaker to carry the baby to the location inthe house where the changing table and related changing accessories,such as diaper wipes, diapers and baby lotions, are kept. This involvesmultiple trips to the changing location every day until the need fordiapers no longer exists. In homes with multiple levels, climbing up anddown the stairs can be quite exhausting for the caretaker.

In today's mobile society, infants travel quite frequently with theirparents and caretakers. Many families with infants and small childrentend to consume a greater number of meals at restaurants and otherpublic venues, instead of dining at home most of the time. Infants spendmore time travelling in cars, trains, airplanes and other forms oftransport with their parents and caretakers. Although some public placessuch as airports and restaurants may have a changing station located ina restroom or other accommodation to visitors, they may becomeunsanitary due to repeated use without regular cleaning. Likewise theymay be positioned in such an area as to make changing a diaperinconvenient and embarrassing. Lugging around a heavy changing stationto provide a secure and clean changing surface for the infant, inaddition to carrying a diaper bag to store the other accoutrements ofchild care and diaper changes, makes changing a diaper in a public venueall the more difficult and taxing. Moreover, locating a safe, flat andclean surface on which to change an infant's diaper are relatively fewin public venues.

Thus, there is a need for a device which provides a portable, safe,comfortable and secure surface on which a diaper change can beaccomplished. There is also a need for a device which is lightweight andcan be easily transported and put away for storage when not in use.There is also a need for a portable changing station which can alsoprovide storage and interchangeable tubs for infant care relatedaccessories such as diapers, wipes and other infant related goods.

Therefore, in view of the above it is one object of the presentinvention to provide a lightweight, portable diaper changing stationwhich can be easily cleaned and sanitized.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a diaperchanging station that will provide a soft, clean and comfortable surfaceon which to place the infant or young child, and which willsubstantially secure the infant or young child during the diaper changeprocess.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a portablediaper changing station that includes storage capacity for relatedcleaning items, such as tubs, wipes, lotions and clean diapers which canbe stored, exchanged and carried in the changing station.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, an apparatus and method for aportable diaper changing station is disclosed herein. The diaperchanging station of the present invention includes a composite, shapedand contoured one piece body member including an integrated handle witha grip. One or multiple, storage compartments with lids may be formedinto the body member for storing changing supplies such as tubs,diapers, wipes and powders. In one embodiment, the changing station isgenerally rectangular in shape, semi-rigid and comprises a nonporouscontoured changing surface. A shaped, contoured nonporous head rest mayalso be formed into the body member.

Other technical advantages of the present invention will be readilyapparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures,descriptions and claims. While specific advantages and embodiments havebeen enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some, ornone of the enumerated advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are setforth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well asa preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, willbe best understood by reference to the following detailed description ofillustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the portable changing station apparatusin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is top view of the portable changing station apparatus inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the portable changing station apparatus inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the portable changing station apparatus inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a right side view of the portable changing station apparatusin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the portable changing station apparatus inaccordance with the present invention; and,

FIG. 7 is a back view of the portable changing station apparatus inaccordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For purposes of teaching and discussion, it is useful to provide someoverview as to the way in which the invention disclosed herein operates.The following information may be viewed as a basis from which thepresent invention may by properly explained. Such information is offeredfor purposes of explanation only and, accordingly, should not beconstrued to limit the broad scope of the present invention and itspotential applications.

Turning to FIG. 1, changing station 10 is shown in a perspective view.In the depicted embodiment, changing station 10 is a one piece, formedbody which is generally shaped in a rectangular fashion as shown. In oneembodiment, changing station 10 is manufactured by a plastic moldinjection process which produces a station body 12 that is nonporous,rigid or semi-rigid as preferred by the user. In one embodiment, stationbody 12 is constructed of a one piece, non-porous, semi-rigidpolyurethane foam with a density of 55 and a durometer hardness of 35. Aplastic “skin” is created on the surface of the molded foam station body12 and changing surface 14 during the manufacturing process of station10 to resist absorption and staining and which is easily cleaned andsanitized after use. Such material may be easily manufactured with awide degree of color, texture, shapes and designs integrated therewith.

In alternative embodiments, changing station 10 may be constructed fromvarious plastics, foams, metal, metal alloys, wood or other suitablematerials as known in the art. Station body 12, changing surface 14 andheadrest 16 may also include antimicrobial additives in the polyurethaneresin to resist and deter microbial growth and odor. In othercontemplated embodiments, changing station 10 may consist of two or moremembers comprising components of the station body 12, changing surface14 or headrest 16. Changing surface 14 is contoured in shape to providea secure and easily sanitized surface on which to lay and secure theinfant or child being changed. Head support 16 is contoured and shapedaccordingly to provide a secure and comfortable depression in which toplace the child's head while changing the child's diaper.

Handle 18 is formed into the station body 12 for purposes of easilycarrying and manipulating the changing station 10. Handle 18 includes aformed grip which provides a safe and secure grip for the user to easilytransport and manipulated the changing station 10. The grip may consistof the same material as that of station body 12 or may be othermaterials such as rubber, notched rubber, metal, or other grippingmaterial as known in the art. In one embodiment, handle is substantiallyformed and located in proximity to the center of gravity of changingstation 10 to provide substantial balance while station 10 is beingcarried.

Various configurable and removable dispenser and storage tubs orcompartments may be formed into the changing station 10 for a variety ofpurposes. In the depicted embodiment, dispenser 20 is a compartmentdesigned to accept sanitary wipes and includes a snap closure lid thatincludes a slot for the dispensation of wipes, tissues or otherdispensable items. In one embodiment, the dispensing tub includes a capwith a lanyard attachment point to secure the dispensing tub cap to thetub cover. Storage compartment 22 is shown with a snap closure lid whichprovides a secure compartment in which to store associated items such aslotions, gels, pacifiers, toys and/or additional diapers. In alternativeembodiments, dispenser 20 and storage compartment 22 may be switched,moved or removed in relative location on or about the station body 12 oraway completely detached from the station 10 for purposes of cleaning orrestocking wipes and other related supplies. In other embodiments,dispenser 20 and storage compartment 22 include lids with various knownmeans of detachably securing the lid including snaps, buttons, hook andloop fasteners among others. In one embodiment, dispenser 20 or storagecompartment 22 are sized dimensionally to accept common tubs which holdwipes or other items to allow a user to remove the tub from thedispenser 20 or compartment 22, discard the spent tub (e.g. after allthe wipes have been used) and replace into dispenser 20 or compartment22 a new tub of wipes or other supplies as needed.

In the depicted embodiment, safety belt attachment points 24 arepreformed slots in station body 12 of sufficient dimension to accept asafety belt which may be draped across the body of a child who has beenplaced on changing surface 14 for purposes of substantially securing thechild to the changing station. In other embodiments, safety beltattachment points 24 may comprise loops, rings, hook and loop fasteners,or snaps or other commonly know means for securing a belt or harness tochanging station 10. Additional safety device retention systems orattachment points may be integrated on station boyd 12 as desired.

FIG. 2 is a top view of one embodiment of the invention disclosedherein. Station body 12 is shown with safety belt attachment point 24.Storage lid 30 and dispenser lid 34 are shown detachably secured tostation body 12 with hinges 32,36. In one embodiment, lids 30,34 aremolded with a “living” hinge feature or other known safety hinge designto eliminate potential pinch points. Lids 30, 34 may also be detachablysecured to station body 12 via spring hinges, torque hinges, snaps, hookand loop fasteners or attachment means as known in the art. In thedepicted embodiment, dispenser lid 34 includes a slot for dispensingwipes or any other material or object designed to be easily withdrawnwithout the need for opening the entire lid.

With reference to FIG. 3, lids 30,34 are shown with tabs 40 integratedtherewith. Tabs 40 allow the user to easily lift and open lids 30,34with their fingers or hands. Instead of tabs 40, other pulls or knobsmay be utilized according to the preference of the user.

Turning to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, left and right side views of the changingstation 10 are shown. The substantial contour of changing surface 14 isshown and, as previously described, acts to substantially secure a childplaced thereon to keep the child from “rolling” out of the changingstation 10. The contour of changing surface 14 also acts to contain anyspills or other materials and substantially prevent the spills or othermaterials from leaking on to other surfaces in proximity of the changingstation 10. Lids 30,34 are shown in a “closed” position. Tabs 40 areshown as configured in the closed position of lids 30,34.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the changing station 10 in one embodimentdisclosed herein. Station body 12 is shown with contoured changingsurface 14 and headrest 16. Headrest 16 is preformed into station body12 and is of sufficient size and dimension to provide a comfortable andsecure head rest for a child placed on to the changing surface 14. Inthe depicted embodiment, headrest 16 is a contoured, generally ovaldepression which is formed into the station body 12 and changing surface14. In other embodiments, headrest 16 may consist of various geometricshapes and forms, as well as be raised above the horizontal plane ofchanging surface 14. Indeed, it is contemplated, that variousdimensional configurations for station body 12, changing surface 14 andheadrest 16 may be designed and utilized for infants and children ofvarious ages, sizes and needs.

Compartments 20 and 22 are shown in a closed position. It is alsorecognized that compartments 20 and 22 may be designed and utilized forvarious specific requirements. In the embodiment shown, compartment 20is a wipe dispenser and compartment 22 is designed to contain variousitems such as baby lotion, medications or other objects. Otherembodiments of the invention disclosed herein may not incorporate one orany storage compartment. In still other possible embodiments, multiplecompartments may be integrated into station body 12 at any location andas desired. Likewise, safety belt attachment points 24 may or may not beformed into station body 12 as desired by the user. Handle 18 or anothersuitable transport attachment may or may not be formed as required ordesired by the user. It is contemplated that end users could design andcustomize the size, shape, color, and storage features to the changingstation 10 to suit their individual preferences and needs. Inalternative embodiments, various lugs, pulls, straps or other handlingmeans may be incorporated or formed into station body 12 and utilizedfor transport of the changing station as desired by the user. Likewise,various storage solutions may or may not be incorporated as desired.

FIG. 7 is a back view of the changing station 10 apparatus disclosedherein. In one embodiment, station rests 50 and cleats 52 are formed asconvex and protruding up and away from the horizontal plane of stationbody 12. In the depicted embodiment, station rests 50 are substantiallylarger in diameter than cleats 52. Station rests 50 act to provide astable support for the changing station when the changing station isplaced on a surface. In an alternative embodiment, rests 50 are formedor cut into station body 12 to prevent station body from creatingsuction with, sticking to or substantially clinging to any surface uponwhich the changing station 10 is placed for use in changing a diaper orduring storage. Cleats 52 act to provide a friction and/or restrictionmechanism when cleats 52 come into contact with any surface or objectsresting on a surface on which the changing station 10 is placed. Cleats52 also act to reduce the surface area of station body 12 which comesinto contact with the support surface, thereby making it easier to liftthe changing station 10 off and away from the supporting surface. Ifchanging station 10 is placed on an uneven or substantially contouredsurface, station rests 50 and cleats 52 will act to provide stability tothe changing station. Station rests 50 and cleats 52 may consist of orbe covered with non-slip or rubberized materials to reduce slipping ofthe station and to prevent the marring of the surface on which thestation rests. In one embodiment, station rests 50 and cleats 52 areformed as concave dimples into the station body 12 and may act assuction cups to secure the changing station 10 to a flat surface or maybe fashioned and constructed to reduce the suction between the stationand the surface upon which the station is placed. In still otherembodiments, rests 50 and cleats 52 may be formed in mixed concave andconvex shapes as desired to provide support, suction, anti-suction orother function as desired to assist in supporting the station 10 anddetachably securing it to a variety support surfaces with varioustopographic environments.

A method of changing a child's diaper using the portable changingstation 10 is as follows. The changing station 10 is placed on a surfacewhich can properly support the station 10 and the child placed thereon.The child is then placed on the station body 12 resting substantially onchanging surface 14 which provides a soft and secure area for the childwhile the child's diaper is being changed. A belt or other retentiondevice may be looped over the child's torso to further releasably secureor restrict the child from gross movement during the changing process.The soiled diaper is removed and discarded into an appropriatereceptacle. Wipes may be dispensed from the wipe dispenser 20 to cleanthe child and any portion of the station 10 which may have become soiledduring the changing process. Topical medication or lotions may bewithdrawn from storage compartment 22 and replaced after use. In oneembodiment, the user may withdraw a tub of wipes from the dispenser 20and place them in a more convenient area while changing the diaper.After the change is complete, the user may replace the tub intodispenser 20 for transport and later use.

The advantages of the portable changing station 10 are readily apparent.Station 10 is a lightweight and can be easily transported. Station 10provides a secure and sanitary surface on which to safely and quicklychange a diaper. Station 10 is easily cleaned and sanitized after eachuse or as necessitated and provides a storage capability for items whichare required or facilitate the changing of a diaper. Due to thecontoured shape of the changing surface 14 and headrest 16, changing adiaper can be carried out relatively safely because the potential forthe child to fall or roll off the station 10 is minimized. Station 10 iseasily customized to suit the preferences of the user includingfunctionality (right handed vs. left handed users) and personal taste(e.g. color or artwork imprints).

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to a various embodiments, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be madetherein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

1. An apparatus, comprising: a station body with a carry handle; achanging surface incorporated into the station body; and, a headrest. 2.The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least one storagecompartment.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least onedispenser.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the station body isconstructed of polyurethane.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein thechanging surface is constructed of polyurethane.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein the station body is rigid.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1wherein the station body is semi-rigid.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1further comprising a retention belt.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising: an anti-microbial additive applied to the polyurethane resinfor inhibiting microbial growth on the changing station.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the headrest is integrated into the stationbody.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least onecleat.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising at least onestation rest.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the station bodyincludes a parabolic contour shape.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe changing surface includes a parabolic contour shape.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the headrest includes a parabolic contourshape.
 16. The apparatus of claim 2 further comprising a lid.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 3 further comprising a lanyard.
 18. A method,comprising: positioning a changing station on a supported surface;placing a child on the changing surface located on the changing station;securing the child to the changing station with a retention belt tosubstantially restrict the child's movement; and, removing a soileddiaper from the child.
 19. The method of claim 18 further comprising:removing a baby wipe from a wipe dispenser integrated with the changingstation.
 20. The method of claim 18 further comprising: placing a newdiaper on the child and releasing the retention belt.
 21. The method ofclaim 18 further comprising: storing a lotion in a storage compartmentintegrated with the changing station.
 22. The method of claim 18 furthercomprising: storing a baby wipe in a wipe dispenser integrated with thechanging station.